Thursday, September 30, 2010

Learn Something New Every Day

I'm doing a bit of catch up in  my Learn Something New Every Day class.  I'll be posting them soon.
REMEMBERING JOAN
I'm sad because my dear, sweet, ex-SIL passed away on September 20.  We were away for most of September in South Carolina helping her husband deal with the emotional strain of caring for someone in the last stages of life.  Even though she was very sick, I never expected her to die that soon.

Joan was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007.  She had surgery and seemed to be doing OK after chemo.  Then more cancers were discovered in her peritoneal  area.  She had more surgery and was in remission for a year or so.  Tumors then started growing at an amazing rate and she was not strong enough to survive more surgeries.  She was given two to four months to live.   Although she weighed under a hundred pounds when she died, her lower body was bloated and filled with tumors.  It hurts me just to type that.

I have never seen anyone so courageous in fighting for her life.  At the end, Hospice was there with her and they notified her two daughters so they could talk on the phone with their mother before she died.  They told her how much they loved her and, knowing that, they were able to accept her death a bit easier.

I hope the Angels took Joan straight away to heaven and she's waiting there for me with her scrapbook tools in hand. 

3 comments:

Cheri said...

Liz - so sorry to hear about your loss. I know first hand how hard it is to watch someone fight their final battle with cancer. My heart goes out to you and her family.

joanne lee said...

Beautiful tribute to your dear friend! God Bless!

scrappyjacky said...

Lizzie, I am so sad to read this....I know how hard it is as my mum died from cancer 5 years ago.I'm sure it was a great comfort to your SIL that you were there with her....and at least now she is free from suffering.My thoughts are with you.